Lebanon’s international music festivals kicked off at the weekend with a performance in the Roman ruins of Baalbek, the first performance there since the country’s economic crisis. Under the title of “Baalbek Nights Return,” conductor Lubnan Baalbaki -…
Another man killed in Syria’s violence-ridden Al-Hol camp
A young man was killed in Syria’s violence-ridden Al-Hol camp on Saturday. Unidentified gunmen believed to be affiliated with the Islamic State group (IS) shot and killed Bassam Al-Sawadi, originally from a village in the Deir az-Zour province, reporte…
Activist Alaa Abdel-Fattah marks 100 days of hunger strike
Supporters of prominent Egyptian activist Alaa Abdel Fattah, who on Sunday will mark 100 days on a hunger strike, are calling on Washington to help secure his release, a statement said. A major figure in the 2011 revolt that toppled longtime autocrat H…
Drought hits Mexican industrial powerhouse
Maria Celia Navarro smiles wistfully as she remembers the now-unthinkable luxury of taking a shower in her home before a water shortage struck one of Mexico’s wealthiest cities. Nestled in mountains a few hours’ drive from the US border, industrial pow…
Production resumes at troubled Abbott baby formula factory
Production of baby formula has resumed at the Abbott Nutrition factory in Michigan whose February shutdown over contamination contributed to a national shortage, a company spokesman said. Damage from severe thunderstorms including flooding had forced t…
Rybakina shrugs off Russia questions after Wimbledon triumph
Newly crowned Wimbledon champion Elena Rybakina broke down in tears on Saturday after she was again confronted by questions over her Russian roots. Rybakina, born in Moscow but representing Kazakhstan after switching allegiances in 2018, defeated Ons J…
Jabeur still Tunisia’s pride despite Wimbledon loss
Hailing her as the “nation’s pride” and “ambassador of happiness”, Tunisians remained enthralled with tennis star Ons Jabeur Saturday, celebrating her presence in the prestigious Wimbledon final despite her loss. Jabeur became the world number two play…
Flooding in Pakistan kills dozens as heavy monsoon rains lash the country
Intense floods killed dozens of people and left hundreds homeless in Pakistan, officials said on Saturday, as heavy monsoon rains battered the country. In the southern province of Balochistan, 57 people, including women and children, were killed after …
Mexican ex-president linked to brutal repression dead at 100
Former Mexican president Luis Echeverria Alvarez, known for brutal repression of political opponents, has died at the age of 100, the government said Saturday. Echeverria, who belonged to the once dominant Institutional Revolutionary Party, or PRI, die…
Gaza welcomes thousands of expatriates to celebrate Eid Adha
For the first time in more than 15 years, Mariam Kuhail from Gaza City was able to share with her family all-day preparations for the Eid al-Adha celebration, after she spent it away for years in Canada, where she immigrated after her marriage in 2007….